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Lou Jimenez
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Lou Jimenez2025-11-26 18:01:072025-11-26 22:35:44A Growing City, a Shrinking Fire Department: Bethlehem Deserves Better
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Kyle Dolton
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Kyle Dolton2025-05-15 10:53:572025-05-15 21:19:16510 Flats Fire Response Demonstrates Professionalism and Resilience
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Mike Bullis
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Mike Bullis2025-03-31 19:19:022025-03-31 19:20:083-alarm fire in Bethlehem displaces residents, injures 2 firefighters
Bethlehem Firefighters IAFF Local 735 is dedicated to improving the safety, working conditions, and overall well-being of our members. We are committed to advocating for fair wages, hour, and benefits, while promoting unity and collective bargaining rights at all levels. Our mission includes fosteringstrong relationships amoung our members and enhancing the public’s understanding of the vital role we play in protecting our comminity. Together, we strive to ensure the highest of standards of service and saftey for both our firefighters and the citizens we proudly serve.
Local 735 serves four platoons on a rotating schedule: two 9-hour day shifts followed by two 15-hour night shifts, then four days off. Union members attend meetings while off-duty to stay involved and informed. We’re also proud to support our community through public events, charitable drives, and local outreach efforts.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a city rich in history and cultural significance. Covering an area of approximately 19 square miles, and it is home to a diverse population. One of Bethlehem’s most notable events is Musikfest, the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival. In 2023, Musikfest celebrated its 40th anniversary with a record-breaking attendance of 1,330,000 people, featuring over 450 performers from 26 states and eight countries.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a critical component of public safety—when seconds count, our community depends on a rapid, skilled response. Since 2007, all members of our department have been required to hold EMT certification in order to meet Quick Response Service (QRS) standards.
While our firefighters do not staff ambulances directly, we support EMS operations in other essential ways. Ambulances are housed at Stations 1 and 6, and our personnel are responsible for driving these units to the hospital when needed. This integration was designed to expand coverage across a broader area of the city, enhancing service availability for residents.
At this time, paramedics are not represented under IAFF Local 735.
🚒 2026 Firefighters Gala 🚒
Last night’s Firefighter Gala at Wind Creek Bethlehem was an incredible evening.
It was great to see a mix of our active and retired members, their loved ones, and our sponsors all come together to celebrate and recognize the pride we share in the fire service. The energy in the room made it a truly memorable night.
We’d like to thank our sponsors for their generosity and everyone who came out to support the event, it truly means a lot.
A special thank you to those who worked behind the scenes to make this all happen. Your time and effort did not go unnoticed.
An amazing night all around. #IAFF #PPFFA #Bethlehemsbravest #Local735 ... See MoreSee Less
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🚨This is EXACTLY why we advocate for increased staffing in the Fire Department.🚨
This is what Local 735 is trying to prevent from happening in our city!
The hazards in our profession are increasing. Buildings are more complex, fires are more dangerous, and the expectations placed on firefighters continue to grow. But staffing has not kept pace with those realities.
You cannot expect the same level of safety and performance with fewer people doing more work in more dangerous conditions. That gap is real, and it puts firefighters and the public at risk.
We don’t advocate for staffing because we want to. We advocate for it because we have to.
This is about being able to do the job the right way, with the right number of people, when it matters most.
Staffing is not a luxury. It is a necessity.#IAFF #PPFFA #Local735
#staffingmatters 🇺🇸🚒 ... See MoreSee Less
As federal report on Hotel Hampton blaze looms, Easton’s chief says firefighting capacity lagging as risks grow
www.lehighvalleynews.com
Easton Fire Chief Henry Hennings said the Hotel Hampton blaze exposed critical staffing shortages, delayed response challenges and growing risks in high-occupancy buildings.3 CommentsComment on Facebook
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Hired in 2001, Cpt. Alpha has been working with BFD, and working up the ranks as an effective leader. Today, he is promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief of the 1st Platoon. He served on the 3rd Platoon as Captain for many years, and the shift will greatly miss him. As AC Alpha goes forward to be the Officer In Charge permanently, we recognize his dedication from when he was required to act as such on the 3rd Platoon while their AC was off for surgery to being the Captain of Company 6 (the busiest station). Through those months of acting as OIC, AC Alpha has become more than prepared to lead an amazing platoon of firefighters. Thank you AC Alpha, from Local 735. You have proven yourself immeasurably going into your 25th year as a Union Brother and a Firefighter. We congratulate you on your promotion, and we know you will continue to be great.
Next, we would like to recognize Lt. Brett Knerr. Lt. Knerr began his career on 3rd Platoon, with most of that time steady at Company 5 and as a member of the Water Rescue Team. Since his promotion to Lieutenant on 1st Platoon, he has spanned the city as one of the floating officers, gaining great knowledge and experience covering the gambit of everything this job entails.
With 13 years behind him, and hopefully many more to come, he now returns to 3rd Platoon as their Captain. Thank you, Captain Knerr, for your dedication and professionalism. Congratulations and good luck with everything you do from here onward, as you pick up where others have left off before you.
Lastly, we would like to congratulate FF Bernie Smicherko on taking the promotional oath of Lieutenant. Lt. Smicherko got on the department in 2016. He was the steady hoseman of Ladder 1 on the south side of the city. When needed he would act as a Lieutenant if there was an officer vacancy on A-shift and he performed his acting duties well, making him fit for the promotion to Lieutenant on C-shift. His 10 years of professional firefighting experience, leadership and role modeling makes him an exceptional choice for this promotion. Thank you Lt. Smicherko for your 10 years of dedication to the BFD and Local 735, we wish you success and safety throughout the rest of your leadership career.
We would also like to mention Lt. Darryl Higgins was transferred from Lt. on C-shift to now Lt. on A shift amongst all these promotions. ... See MoreSee Less
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After more than 30 years of unwavering service, we want to wish a very happy retirement to our A Shift Assistant Chief Allan Burghardt. Since joining the Bethlehem Fire Department, the Chief has been a cornerstone of public safety and a proud member of IAFF Local 735.
From the front lines to the command staff, your leadership has shaped the next generation of firefighters. Thank you for your decades of sacrifice, your mentorship, and for always looking out for the brothers and sisters on the line. Enjoy the well-deserved time off.
#bethlehemfire #iafflocal735 #retirement #ppffa ... See MoreSee Less
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🚨Our Mission Continues For You 🚨
For 108 years, the International Association of Fire Fighters has stood for safer staffing, stronger protections, and better working conditions for firefighters and paramedics across the US and Canada.
Local 735 carries that mission forward every single day.
Our commitment is not just to each other, it is to our residents we proudly serve. When we advocate for safer staffing, cancer protections, and safer working conditions, we are advocating for a stronger, safer response for our community. Better conditions for firefighters directly translate to better protection for our neighborhoods, businesses, and families.
We thank all those who continue to stand beside us and your support does not go unnoticed. As residents and taxpayers, your voices matter. We respectfully ask that you continue to raise your concerns, stay engaged, and advocate for the resources necessary to ensure that when emergencies happen, your fire department is properly staffed and equipped to meet the moment.
#staffingmatters #IAFF #ppffa #bethlehemsbravest 🚒🇺🇸 ... See MoreSee Less
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Another 2nd Alarm stop for 4th Platoon today, fire kept to shared wall/attic space between 2 units in the apartments.
#IAFF #local735 #bethlehemsbravest #ppffa ... See MoreSee Less
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